Mets Need to Improve Runs Scored in 2017

Like most teams, the Mets would love to increase their runs scored in 2017. Last season, they hit 218 home runs, the second most in the National League. However, they finished 11th in the league in runs scored. In an interview that General Manager Sandy Alderson recently gave to the Post, he addressed the need for more Mets runs:

I think the key thing for us is offensively scoring more runs, which really means getting on base more frequently, and with having more traffic on the bases. We hit a lot of home runs last year, but we need to do all the other things that contribute to run production, and I do think we have the potential to do that.

Most of the team from last season is returning this year. So it’s not completely clear how they will “do all the other things” to increase run production.

Struggled with runs scored in 2016

How much did the Mets offense struggle last season? They were next to last in the National League in doubles, triples and stolen bases. Their on base percentage (OBP) was .316, ranking them 12th. As for team speed, Jose Reyes led the team with 9 stolen bases, despite only playing in 60 games. Asdrubal Cabrera, gimpy knee and all, was second with 5. With no real team speed again this season, they’ll have to improve their OBP and doubles.

Hope for 2017

One possibility is the return of Lucas Duda at first base. With a lifetime OBP of .343, replacing James Loney and his .307 OBP from last year. Another hope is a full year from Neil Walker with a lifetime .339 OBP, .347 last year in 113 games. As for extra base hits, Reyes hit 13 doubles in just 60 games and Michael Conforto hit 21 in 109 games. But it remains to be seen how much playing time either will get in 2017. If the Mets are going to contend for a post season spot, they’ll have to find ways to make all those home runs not just solo shots.

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